The Anatomy of a Fit-Out

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

A tenant-led Cat B fit-out is the phase that transforms a generic base build into a bespoke, fully operational business environment. We engineer this transition using a rigorously structured framework that validates the building’s capability before plotting the human experience.

Phase 1: The “Before You Sign” Validation Our process begins with technical due diligence during the feasibility phase. Our M&E engineering teams investigate the invisible infrastructure of the target building to verify that its air conditioning systems can genuinely deliver the British Council for Offices’ recommended fresh air supply of 12 – 14 litres per second per person. If the shell fails this test, we negotiate landlord capital contributions
to fix it.

Phase 2: Designing from the Network Out
We do not treat technology as an afterthought. We map containment pathways and route your data cabling before a single partition wall is ever erected, ensuring the environment seamlessly supports peak cognitive output from day one.

Phase 3: Activity-Based Mapping
Once the physical capacity is validated, we eliminate the outdated concept of assigning a single fixed desk to every employee. We construct a diverse ecosystem of functional zones tailored to specific cognitive tasks – ranging from strict acoustic focus zones for deep concentration to agile collaboration hubs for iterative teamwork.

MARIS TOOLS:

THE “BEFORE YOU SIGN” INTERROGATION

A profound misunderstanding of building categories frequently leads to severe budget overruns. Do not sign a Heads of Terms agreement without interrogating the physical limits of the building. We use the following diagnostics to validate your canvas:

Are you buying an operational engine or just a floorplate?
Use the Red Flag Building Checklist – Our engineers use this to look behind the walls, ensuring the base building possesses the mechanical capacity to deliver the required 12 – 14 litres of fresh air per second per person.

Are you paying for empty desks?
Deploy the Workstyle Calculator – By profiling your workforce into distinct cognitive categories, this analytical tool provides the exact, mathematically proven ratio of fixed ergonomic desks versus agile collaboration settings you need, preventing you from over-leasing space.

Can you achieve the aesthetic for less?
Consult the Value Engineering Smart Swap Matrix – If your vision exceeds your Cat B budget, this directory provides alternative material specifications that reduce procurement costs without compromising the architectural design intent.